A
walk through the old Dunton Hills Plotland estate, established in the 1930's
by Londoners on plots of agricultural land sold off after the agricultural
depression. This walk is rich with wild plants and wildlife.

British Isles:
A Natural History is an epic series presented by Alan Titchmarsh. Over
eight programmes, screened at 9pm from Wednesday 29 September, 2004 on
BBC ONE, Alan unravels the story of the evolution of the British Isles.

This Walk
Through Time accompanies the series, exploring the history and rich natural
habitat of Langdon Plotland.

More info:
This area was once the thriving Dunton Hills Plotland Estate, established
in the 1930's by Londoners on plots of agricultural land, sold at auction
after the agricultural depression. Around 200 families made their homes
here or escaped from the city for weekends and holidays.

This walk will take you along the grid pattern of avenues between old garden
hedges rich with wild plants and garden escapes, uncovering the remains
of these homes and exploring the changing landscape around Basildon. Look
out for the Plotland trail markers along the way.

Getting
there:
By bus: Bus services operate from Basildon town centre to Laindon
BR station (on the Fenchurch Street to Southend line) less than 1/2 mile
from the reserve and to Langdon Hills.
Information: tel: 0870 608 2608 or check the Traveline
website.

By car: Parking is available at the walk start point, Langdon visitor
centre on Lower Dunton Road, 2 miles south of A127, west of Basildon Town
Centre. The centre is 4.5 miles east of M25 junction 29 between the A127
and the A13. Routes are signposted from the north from the B148 turning
off the A127 and from the south from the A13  follow the brown-and-white
duck signs.

Walk
Conditions:
Bridleways and footpaths, all off road. Muddy at times. Natural aspect includes
hills. Paths are unlikely to be suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.Health and Safety information

Acknowledgments
The BBC would like to thank the Essex Wildlife Trust for their help in preparing
this walk.